As part of their socially-conscious activities, Mazda USA has launched the R.A.C.E. (Racing Accelerates Creative Education) program, which uses racing as a tool to nurture the imaginations of young people, with a special presentation on January 15th at DeLand High School in Florida.

Programs promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (S.T.E.M.) have been gaining prominence in the racing world in recent years. Director of Mazda Motorsports, John Doonan, decided that in order to motivate students who are losing interest in those subjects, the team should visit schools across the country before each race in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.

Director Doonan commented, “We are convinced that our R.A.C.E. program will demonstrate to students in an interesting, fun and engaging way how science, technology, engineering and mathematics are central to the success of Mazda on the race track and in the marketplace. Our goal is to show students just one example of how exciting problem solving can be in the S.T.E.M. arena and motivate them to always be curious and open to possibilities.”

At the special presentation, held in front of 600 students, there was a lecture on the connection between S.T.E.M. and motorsports. In addition, Mazda USA factory driver Joel Miller showed off the team's P2 racecar, and the interior of a race transporter. The students were delighted when they discovered that the name of their Principal, Mitch Moyer, was emblazoned on the bodywork.

Principal Moyer commented, “DeLand High School is absolutely thrilled and honored to be chosen by Mazda Motorsports to host their cutting edge presentation and learning experience connected to the exciting world of the Rolex 24 Hour Race. Anytime motorsports can be linked to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, it proves to be an attention-getting combination.”